U.S. patent application number 13/382923 was filed with the patent office on 2012-10-18 for device for balance exercises and balance games using variable restoring forces.
Invention is credited to Maximilian Klein, Peter Lutz.
Application Number | 20120264579 13/382923 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43382807 |
Filed Date | 2012-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120264579 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Klein; Maximilian ; et
al. |
October 18, 2012 |
DEVICE FOR BALANCE EXERCISES AND BALANCE GAMES USING VARIABLE
RESTORING FORCES
Abstract
A board apparatus for balance exercises and balance games
(so-called "balance board"), having modifiable restoring forces, is
presented. A support part for the user's body is tiltable on a base
part around a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis, freely
rotatable around a vertical axis, and mounted movably along the
vertical axis. A restoring part generates restoring forces that
counteract motions of the support part and can be modified by the
user. The restoring part includes four elastomer springs that are
arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis and to the transverse
axis. By replacement, elastomer springs having a different spring
force can be used. In addition, the elastomer springs can be offset
inward or outward, enabling even more accurate adaptation of the
restoring forces. In the context of a twist around the vertical
axis, the restoring part always returns the support part into one
of two initial positions that are located 180.degree. opposite to
one another. The force for this rotational restoration is also
adjustable.
Inventors: |
Klein; Maximilian; (Munchen,
DE) ; Lutz; Peter; (Munchen, DE) |
Family ID: |
43382807 |
Appl. No.: |
13/382923 |
Filed: |
July 14, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
July 14, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP10/04279 |
371 Date: |
March 16, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/146 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 22/18 20130101;
A63B 2220/40 20130101; G09B 9/04 20130101; G09B 9/066 20130101;
A63B 69/0093 20130101; A63F 13/245 20140902; A63B 21/028 20130101;
A61H 2201/165 20130101; A63B 2024/0096 20130101; A63B 2220/24
20130101; A63F 13/807 20140902; A63F 13/06 20130101; A63F 2300/8005
20130101; A63B 22/0015 20130101; A63B 26/003 20130101; A63F
2300/1062 20130101; A63F 13/285 20140902; A63F 2300/1043 20130101;
A63F 13/211 20140902; G09B 19/0038 20130101; A63B 21/00061
20130101; A63F 13/816 20140902 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/146 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/16 20060101
A63B022/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 16, 2009 |
DE |
10 2009 033 440.8 |
Claims
1. A board apparatus 1 for balance exercises and balance games of a
user, comprising: a base part, a support part for the user's body,
said support part including a platform which is tiltable relative
to the base part around a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis,
and a restoring part configured to generate a restoring force that
counteracts a tilt of the support part, wherein the restoring part
is designed to use replaceable individual spring elements having
different dimensions or having a different spring force; the
restoring part further includes at least four of the individual
spring elements; and of the at least four spring elements, at least
two are arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis and at least two
parallel to the transverse axis.
2. The board apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the spring
elements are elastomer springs.
3. The board apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the elastomer
springs are slipped onto spring holders.
4. The balance apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the
elastomer springs are produced from chloroprene rubber or
polyurethane.
5. The board apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the elastomer
springs are standardized in accordance with an industry standard,
by preference DIN 9835.
6. The board apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the elastomer
springs have a height of between 40 mm and 60 mm.
7. The board apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the spring
elements are offset parallel to the longitudinal axis and/or the
transverse axis.
8. The board apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the spring
elements are each shifted in a guide slide bearing in the base
part.
9. The board apparatus according to claim 7, wherein all the spring
elements can be offset simultaneously by an adjusting
apparatus.
10. The board apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the adjusting
apparatus is a rotatable adjusting disk having circular eccentric
elongated holes.
11. The board apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a
sensor configured to sense weight displacements of the user's
body.
12. The board apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support
part is movable vertically along a vertical axis; and the restoring
unit is configured to generate restoring force that counteracts a
vertical motion of the support part.
13. The board apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a
sensor configured to sense vertical accelerations of the user's
body.
14. The board apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support
part is rotatable around a vertical axis; and the restoring part is
configured to generate a restoring force that counteracts a
rotation of the support part.
15. The board apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the support
part is rotatable 360.degree. clockwise and counter-clockwise as
often as desired.
16. The board apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the
restoring part generates a restoring force that returns the support
part, when twisted, to an initial position; and the restoring force
reaches its maximum when the support part is twisted half a
revolution clockwise or counter-clockwise out of that initial
position.
17. The board apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the
restoring part generates a restoring force that returns the support
part, when twisted, to one of two initial positions that are
located 180.degree. opposite to one another; and the restoring
force reaches its maximum when the support part is rotated
one-quarter revolution clockwise or counter-clockwise out of those
two initial positions.
18. The board apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the
restoring part further includes: a carrier plate connected
nonrotatably to the platform; and at least one spring that engages
against a circumferential surface of the carrier plate.
19. The board apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the carrier
plate has a symmetrical oval shape.
20. The board apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the
symmetrical oval shape of the carrier plate has an indentation at
at least one vertex of the oval shape.
21. The board apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the carrier
plate has an elliptical shape.
22. The board apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the
elliptical shape of the carrier plate has an indentation at two
vertices.
23. The board apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the
restoring part further includes a ball bearing in rolling contact
against the circumferential surface of the carrier plate.
24. The board apparatus according to claim 23, wherein, when the
support part is in the initial position, the ball bearing rests in
in an indentation in the circumferential surface of the carrier
plate.
25. The board apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the
restoring force that counteracts the rotation of the support
surface is adjustable.
26. The board apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the support
part further includes a sensor configured to sense rotational
motions of the user.
27. The board apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a button unit
having at least two movable buttons is provided on the platform of
the support part.
28. The board apparatus according to claim 27, wherein, upon
actuation of the movable buttons, a signal is triggered only when
atop surface of the movable buttons is located below a top surface
of the platform.
29. (canceled)
Description
[0001] The invention relates to an apparatus for balance exercises
and balance games of a user, encompassing a base part, a support
part for the user's body which is tiltable relative to the base
part around a longitudinal axis X and a transverse axis Y, and a
restoring apparatus for generating a restoring force that
counteracts a tilt of the support part. An apparatus of this kind
is also referred to as a "balance board."
[0002] The balance boards known from the existing art serve, inter
alia, as input devices for computer games, These balance boards are
often used, for example, in computer games in which sports such as
skateboarding, snowboarding, or surfing are simulated.
[0003] A further application sector of balance boards is
utilization as a training or rehabilitation device with which users
can practice balance and the coordination of certain motion
sequences. These training or rehabilitation devices are usually not
designed for use in conjunction with a computer, and therefore also
do not possess sensor apparatuses for the generation of sensor
signals that can be further processed by a computer.
[0004] Apparatuses for balance exercises and balance games (balance
boards) are sufficiently known in the existing art. The following
documents are closest to the invention presented here:
[0005] US 2008/0261696 A1 discloses an apparatus for sensing weight
displacements and jumping motions of a user. It encompasses a
support surface that is mounted on four supporting feet.
Beam-shaped spring elements are arranged respectively between the
support surface and the four supporting feet. In the context of the
greatly limited deformability of these spring elements, the support
surface is tiltable relative to the supporting feet around two
horizontal, mutually orthogonal spatial axes X and Y, and mounted
movably along a vertical spatial axis Z orthogonal to the spatial
axes X and Y.
[0006] Attached onto each of the beam-shaped spring elements are
strain gauges that sense the deformation of the spring elements.
Weight displacements and jumping motions of the user are sensed
indirectly via the deformation of the spring elements.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 7,008,359 B2 discloses an apparatus for
balance exercises. It encompasses a base part, a support surface,
and a central spring element that is arranged between the base part
and support surface and is fixedly connected to each of them. The
support surface can be tilted and rotated in relation to the base
part, the spring element generating restoring forces that
counteract those motions. The apparatus possesses an adjusting
mechanism with which said restoring forces can be modified. The
adjusting mechanism encompasses four wedge-like locking apparatuses
that can simultaneously be shifted radially (relative to a central
and vertical axis Z). When the locking apparatuses are shifted
inward, the space for elastic deformation of the central spring
element becomes smaller, bringing about an increase in the
restoring force and at the same time a limitation of the maximum
tilt angle.
[0008] EP 0 966 724 B1 discloses an apparatus for sensing weight
displacements, rotational motions, and jumping motions of a user. A
support surface is mounted on a base part, tiltably around two
horizontal, mutually orthogonal spatial axes X and Y, as well as
rotatably around a vertical spatial axis Z orthogonal to spatial
axes X and Y and movably along said spatial axis Z. The restoring
forces that counteract a tilt and a vertical motion of the support
surface are generated by an air tube, and can be adjusted by
modifying the inflation pressure in the air tube. The air tube is
arranged between the base part and an intermediate part that is
mounted nontiltably but rotatably relative to the support surface.
A sensor apparatus senses the motions of the support surface and
generates corresponding sensor signals.
[0009] All these balance boards have in common the fact that they
comprise a support surface, tiltable on a base part, for the user's
body, and a restoring apparatus for generating a restoring force
counteracting the tilt. If the balance boards are designed to be
used to control computer games, they furthermore possess a sensor
apparatus that senses weight displacements on the support
surface.
[0010] The disadvantage of the apparatus described in US
2008/0261696 A1 is that the tiltability of the support surface is
so greatly limited that a tilt is barely perceptible by the user.
This is disadvantageous because the user does not obtain direct
feedback regarding the motions performed by him or her. Feedback
instead occurs only indirectly via the respective computer program
and the signal that is outputs again after processing the input
signals. If, conversely, the support surface of the apparatus
described in US 2008/0261696 A1 were to tilt perceptibly in the
context of a weight displacement, the user would obtain direct
physical feedback regarding the motions performed by him or her.
The user would thereby be substantially better able to calibrate
his or her weight displacements, which as a result would make a
computer game easier to control.
[0011] A further disadvantage of the greatly limited tiltability of
the support surface of the apparatus described in US 2008/0261696
A1 emerges when it is used to control computer games that simulate
sports such as skateboarding, snowboarding, or surfing. In these
sports, the corresponding items of sporting equipment (skateboards,
snowboards, or surfboards) in reality execute pronounced motions,
in which context the user obtains, by way of the change in the
spatial position of the item, important feedback as to its
interaction with the environment.
[0012] Because the support surface of the apparatus of the
apparatus described in US 2008/0261696 A1 does not modify its
spatial position in a manner similar to, for example, the item of
sporting equipment that the apparatus represents in a computer
game, the user does not obtain the impression that he or she is
interacting, by way of the apparatus described in US 2008/0261696
A1, with the virtual environment of the computer game. This
negatively affects the impression of a virtual reality, and
disrupts the user's game experience.
[0013] A further disadvantage of the greatly limited tiltability of
the support surface of the apparatus described in US 2008/0261696
A1 is lastly that this apparatus can be used to only a very limited
extent as a training or rehabilitation device. The reason for this
is that the strength and coordination of specific muscle groups
such as, for example, the ankle musculature can be improved only
when the user or patient is standing on a definitely tiltable
support surface and must compensate for that tilt with his or her
locomotor system.
[0014] A further disadvantage of the apparatus described in US
2008/0261696 A1 is that the restoring forces cannot be modified by
the user. Given that the tiltability of the support surface of the
apparatus described in US 2008/0261696 A1 is in any case very
greatly limited, however, this disadvantage is acceptable, since
the need for an adaptation of restoring forces increases only with
an increasingly pronounced tiltability of the support surface. The
reason is that as the tilting motions of the support surface become
greater, it becomes that much more difficult for the user to
maintain his or her balance when no restoring forces, or only small
ones, are counteracting a tilt of the support surface.
[0015] The magnitude of the restoring forces experienced by a user
as appropriate depends, however, not only on his or her skill and
preferences, but also very substantially on his or her weight. In
the context of a balance board conceived for the mass market, it
would therefore be desirable if its restoring forces could be
adapted both to the forces exerted on the balance board by a small
child weighing 15 kg, and to the forces exerted on the balance
board by a large adult weighing 150 kg.
[0016] The apparatus described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,008,359 B2 offers
a definitely perceptible tiltability of the support surface, which
is also absolutely necessary for the use, intended by the
inventors, as a training and rehabilitation device. In the case of
the apparatus described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,008,359 B2, the
restoring forces can consequently be modified. The restoring forces
are increased by the fact that the so--called locking mechanism
decreases the space for an elastic deformation of the central
rubber spring element, the result being to bring about a preload on
the spring element.
[0017] A disadvantage of the apparatus described in U.S. Pat. No.
7,008,359 B2 is, however, that the increase in the restoring forces
is accompanied by an increasing limitation of the tiltability of
the support surface. It has already been mentioned, however, that
certain training effects can be produced for the user only if he or
she must compensate for pronounced tilting motions of a support
surface. As a design constraint, therefore, not every user will be
able to achieve the same training effect with this apparatus.
[0018] A further disadvantage of the apparatus described in U.S.
Pat. No. 7,008,359 B2 is that the restoring forces cannot be
modified independently of one another for different tilt
directions. The central rubber spring element is indeed designed so
that it generates smaller restoring forces in the context of a tilt
around the longitudinal axis of the device than in the context of a
tilt around the transverse axis. This takes into account the fact
that the forces a user standing on the support surface is capable
of exerting on the support surface by means of a weight
displacement between his or her forefoot and heel are smaller than
those produced by a weight displacement between his or her left and
right foot, at least when the user is standing on the support
surface with his or her feet comfortably at shoulder width.
[0019] But because the locking mechanism of the apparatus described
in U.S. Pat. No. 7,008,359 B2 always engages simultaneously at four
points on the central rubber spring element, and thus also
simultaneously modifies the restoring forces in the context of a
tilt around the longitudinal axis and a tilt around the transverse
axis, the ratio of the restoring forces for the longitudinal and
the transverse axis is defined as a result of the design and is not
modifiable.
[0020] On the basis of experience, however, it is not the case that
two users who prefer, for example, the same restoring forces in the
context of a tilt around the transverse axis (i.e. in the context
of a weight displacement between the left and right foot, and vice
versa) will also always find the same restoring forces in the
context of a tilt around the longitudinal axis (i.e. a weight
displacement between the forefoot and heel) to be appropriate. This
is especially not the case when these two users have feet of
different sizes, since when the foot sizes are different, energy is
introduced at different points, resulting in turn in non-identical
lever ratios.
[0021] Optimally, however, it should be possible not only to modify
the ratio between the restoring forces for the longitudinal axis
and the transverse axis. For certain exercises, for example for
rehabilitation in a context of unilateral injuries, it may be
desirable for greater restoring forces to be generated with a
displacement of weight onto the left foot than with a displacement
of weight onto the right foot, and vice versa, or for greater
restoring forces to be able to be generated with a displacement of
weight onto the forefoot than with a displacement of weight onto
the heel, and vice versa.
[0022] In the case of the apparatus described in EP 0 966 724 B1,
the restoring forces can be modified with no limitation on the
tiltability of the support surface, since here the increase in
restoring force is achieved solely by way of an increase in the
pressure in the air tube and not, as in the case of the apparatus
described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,008,359 B2, by reducing the space for
elastic deformation of the spring element.
[0023] The air cushioning technology of the apparatus described in
EP 0 966 724 B1 also has disadvantages, however. In order for the
air cushioning system not to have too highly progressive a spring
characteristic, which would cause the cushioning to be perceived by
the user as too hard, the air tube must have comparatively large
dimensions. The components between which the air tube is arranged
and against which it engages (which in EP 0 966 724 B1 are the base
part and the intermediate part) must be designed to be similarly
large. The result is large overall dimensions and heavy weight for
the apparatus as a whole, making its handling in turn impractical.
In addition, the comparatively high material usage has an
unfavorable effect on manufacturing costs.
[0024] A further disadvantage is the fact that an accessory, for
example an air pump with a pressure gauge, is needed in order to
adapt the pressure in the air tube. This in turn increases the cost
of the apparatus as a whole. In addition, a user may find that
dealing with the accessory or filling the air tube is in itself
inconvenient.
[0025] It is also the case that in the case of the apparatus
described in EP 0 966 724 B1, the ratio of the restoring forces in
the various tilt directions is defined in terms of physical design
by the arrangement of the air tube, and is not modifiable. The
disadvantages explained above with reference to U.S. Pat. No.
7,008,359 B2 are thus also relevant to EP 0 966 724 B1.
[0026] Yet another disadvantage arises when the apparatus described
in EP 0 966 724 B1 is also used for computer simulation of certain
sports such as snowboarding or surfing. Here a better impression of
a virtual reality would be achievable if the return forces could,
for example, be adjusted so that the support part is less easy to
tilt forward than to tilt back, although this is also not possible
with EP 0 966 724 B1.
[0027] It is consequently an object of the present invention, which
the inventors call DYNAMIC BOARD, to make available a safe,
compact, and economically manufacturable balance board having a
restoring apparatus that enables maximally flexible and simple
adaptation of the restoring forces to different users' needs
without thereby limiting functionality, in particular the
tiltability of the support surface.
[0028] According to a first aspect of the invention, this object is
achieved in an apparatus of the species in that the restoring
apparatus is designed to use replaceable spring elements having
different dimensions or having a different spring force; that the
restoring apparatus encompasses at least four individual spring
elements; and that of the at least four spring elements, at least
two are arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis X and at least
two parallel to the transverse axis Y.
[0029] For purposes of the invention, a restoring apparatus is
designed to use replaceable spring elements having different
dimensions or having a different spring force if spring elements
can be exchanged with no need for irreversible modifications to the
apparatus as a whole. "No modification" in this context exists
when, for example, the spring elements that are present are to be
replaced with spring elements of smaller dimensions and, for
example, a compensator piece must be used for that purpose. A
restoring apparatus is therefore always designed to use replaceable
spring elements having different dimensions or having a different
spring force when the apparatus makes it possible to undo the
exchange of one spring element for a different spring element
having different dimensions or having a different spring force.
[0030] Designing the restoring apparatus so that replaceable spring
elements having different dimensions or having a different spring
force can used offers substantial advantages as compared with
certain restoring apparatuses known in the existing art that permit
an adaptation of restoring forces to the differing needs of
users.
[0031] One possibility, already mentioned above and known in the
existing art, for increasing restoring forces involves putting the
spring element under preload by means of an adjusting apparatus.
The preloading of a spring element necessarily results, however, in
a shortening of the spring travel that is still available for
restoring a tilt. The consequence of this can be that heavier
users, who prefer greater restoring forces, cannot achieve the tilt
angles they actually desire, since the maximum spring compression
has already been previously reached. An alternative would be to use
a spring element whose spring travel is so long that even with a
corresponding preload, sufficient spring travel is still available
for achieving the desired tilt angle. This would, however, also
increase the overall height of the apparatus. In addition, for
users who need little or no preload, the support surface would then
be mounted at a greater height above the floor than actually
necessary, thereby increasing the danger of injury in the event of
slippage off the support surface.
[0032] If provision is therefore made for adapting the return
forces by way of an increase in preload, this always has a
disadvantageous effect either on overall height or on the maximum
tilt angle of the support surface. If, conversely, the restoring
apparatus is designed to use replaceable spring elements having
different dimensions or having a different spring force, then for
each user there will be spring elements having the restoring force
desired by him or her, which on the one hand have enough spring
travel to achieve the desired tilt angles but on the other hand
also do not have too long a spring travel that would result in an
unnecessarily large overall height and also an increased risk of
injury.
[0033] Another possibility, known in the existing art, for adapting
the restoring forces that counteract a tilt of the support surface
to the different needs of users is the use of spring elements whose
spring force can be modified, e.g. an air cushioning system. As
already set forth above, however, the use of an air cushioning
system is complex in terms of design, and the components of an air
cushioning system are comparatively expensive to manufacture. A
restoring apparatus having replaceable spring elements is,
conversely, substantially easier and more economical to
manufacture.
[0034] The restoring apparatus of the apparatus according to the
present invention furthermore encompasses not a one-piece spring
element but instead at least four individual spring elements. This
is advantageous in that the number of adaptation possibilities is
also multiplied by the combination of multiple spring elements.
[0035] In contrast to the one-piece spring element, four individual
spring elements also do not need to be arranged at the center of
the apparatus (defined by the intersection of tilt axes X and Y).
This proves to be favorable when the user is, as intended, standing
on the support surface with his or her feet comfortably at shoulder
width. In this case, in accordance with the lever principle, the
shorter the spacing of the user's feet from the spring elements,
the lower the force exerted by him or her on the spring
elements.
[0036] Because of the more favorable lever ratios, four spring
elements that are arranged at a certain distance from the center of
the apparatus thus need to generate, in total, lower restoring
forces than one central spring element. This has the advantage that
the spring elements can be of smaller dimensions, which in turn has
a favorable effect on manufacturing costs.
[0037] A further advantage as compared with one central spring
element is that the at least four individual, decentrally arranged
spring elements do not additionally need to take on the function of
fixedly connecting the support part and base part to one another.
It is therefore possible to provide, at the center of the
apparatus, a separate mount or connection between the support part
and base part. There is thus no need in this case to create a fixed
connection between the spring elements and the base part and
between the spring elements and the support part (or a part
connected nontiltably to the support part); this substantially
simplifies replacement of the spring elements.
[0038] This is not to be understood to mean, however, that for
purposes of the invention only those restoring apparatuses that
possess a separate mount or connection between the support part and
base part are designed to use replaceable spring elements having
different dimensions or having a different spring force. It is also
entirely possible to dispense with a separate mount and to connect
the support part fixedly to the base part by way of the four spring
elements. Even if the four spring elements were, for example,
bolted to the support part and/or base part, this would
nevertheless be an apparatus according to the present invention
provided said spring elements can be exchanged for other spring
elements having different dimensions or having a different spring
force with no need to make irreversible modifications to the
apparatus as a whole.
[0039] In addition, in the apparatus according to the present
invention, of the at least four spring elements, at least two are
arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis X and at least two
parallel to the transverse axis Y. This is advantageous in
particular because users who prefer, for example, the same
restoring forces in the context of a weight displacement between
the left and right foot (i.e. in the context of a tilt around the
transverse axis Y) do not also always find the same restoring
forces to be appropriate in the context of a weight displacement
between the forefoot and heel (i.e. in the context of a tilt around
the longitudinal axis X).
[0040] Specifically, if the spring elements are not aligned at the
tilt axes X and Y, it is then thereby possible also to generate
different restoring forces in the context of weight displacements
between the left foot and right foot, and between the forefoot and
heel. The ratio between the restoring forces upon a tilt around the
longitudinal axis and the restoring forces upon a tilt around the
transverse axis is then, however, defined by the physical design,
specifically by the distances at which the spring elements are
located respectively from tilt axes X and Y.
[0041] If, on the other hand, in a context of four spring elements,
two are arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis X and two
parallel to the transverse axis Y, this has the advantage that
essentially only one spring element in each case counteracts the
tilting of the support surface when the support surface is tilted
exclusively around the longitudinal axis X or around the transverse
axis Y. For example, if the support surface is tilted exclusively
around the longitudinal axis X, essentially only one of the two
spring elements that are arranged parallel to the transverse axis Y
is counteracting the tilt of the support surface (leaving aside the
comparatively small restoring forces that are simultaneously also
generated by the two spring elements that are arranged parallel to
the tilt axis X).
[0042] With this arrangement of the spring elements it is
consequently possible not only to generate different restoring
forces for weight displacements between the left foot and right
foot, and between the forefoot and heel, but also to modify the
ratio between the restoring forces in the context of a tilt around
the longitudinal axis and the restoring forces in the context of a
tilt around the transverse axis. This arrangement thus guarantees
maximum flexibility in adapting the restoring forces to the various
needs of users.
[0043] In a refinement of the apparatus according to the present
invention, it is proposed that the spring elements be embodied as
elastomer springs; this is to be understood as all spring elements
whose elasticity is based very predominantly on the effect of
entropy elasticity (in contrast to energy elasticity).
[0044] Elastomer springs are particularly well suited for use in an
apparatus according to the present invention because, as compared
e.g. to compression springs made of metal, they can establish
relatively high spring forces over short spring travel lengths.
This is, however the prerequisite for minimizing the overall height
of the apparatus according to the present invention as a function
of the predefined tilt angles. A minimized overall height is
desirable in order to keep the risk of injury as low as possible,
in the event of slippage off the support surface.
[0045] An optimal relationship between overall height and
predefined tilt angles is achieved when the tilt of the support
surface is limited not by the maximum spring compression of the
spring elements, but instead because the support part comes to a
stop against the floor or the base part. The reason is that in this
case the maximum tilt angle of the support surface depends
exclusively on the length of the support surface and the height at
which it is mounted above the floor. In order for the tilt of the
support surface no longer to be limited by the maximum spring
compression of the spring elements, however, it is in turn
necessary to arrange the spring elements relatively close to the
center of the apparatus (defined by the intersection of the tilt
axes).
[0046] An arrangement of the spring elements at only a short
distance from the center of the apparatus places particular demands
on the spring elements, however, for the following reasons: On the
one hand, the spring travel that is available for establishing the
desired restoring force becomes smaller, the closer to the center
of the apparatus a spring element is arranged. On the other hand,
however, the necessary restoring force also becomes larger, the
closer to the center of the apparatus the spring element is
arranged--at least when the user is, as intended, standing on the
support surface with his or her feet comfortably at shoulder width.
Specifically, in the context of a weight displacement, the farther
away the user's foot (and therefore the force introduction point)
is from the center of the apparatus, the greater (in accordance
with the lever principle) the force the user is exerting on the
spring element.
[0047] It is thus apparent that an apparatus optimized in terms of
overall height requires that the spring elements that are used be
able to establish relatively large spring forces with short spring
travels. These requirements are met particularly well by elastomer
springs.
[0048] In addition, however, elastomer springs are also
particularly well suited for use in an apparatus according to the
present invention because of their slightly progressive spring
characteristic, since experience indicates that users perceive it
as advantageous when the restoring force increases slightly with
increasing tilt, since this makes it easier for users to maintain
balance even at larger tilt angles.
[0049] It is further proposed that the elastomer springs be slipped
onto holding apparatuses. This allows a user to exchange the
elastomer springs conveniently and without tools if he or she
wishes to adapt the restoring forces to a different user weight or
if the elastomer springs need to be exchanged as a result of
fatigue or settling.
[0050] It is furthermore advantageous to use elastomer springs
produced from chloroprene rubber or polyurethane, which preferably
are standardized in accordance with an industry standard, e.g. DIN
9835. This is advantageous because standardized elastomer springs
made of chloroprene rubber or polyurethane are comparatively
inexpensive to manufacture. These spring elements also can be
exchanged economically if settling or fatigue of the spring
elements should occur after extended use of the apparatus according
to the present invention.
[0051] It is moreover proposed that the elastomer springs have a
height of between 40 mm and 60 mm. The reason is that because
elastomer springs of this height can on the one hand be arranged so
that the support surface can achieve a tilt angle of approximately
15.degree. that is desirable from the standpoint of sports
medicine, and so that the tilt is limited not by the maximum spring
compression of the elastomer springs but by contact between the
platform and the floor. This is, however, as already explained, the
prerequisite for an optimized overall height. Although the
elastomer springs must, for this purpose, be arranged relatively
close to the center of the apparatus, and (as also already
explained) although rather unfavorable lever ratios result
therefrom, elastomer springs of the proposed height on the other
hand also generate sufficiently large restoring forces to adapt the
apparatus to the needs of very heavy users. Elastomer springs of
the proposed overall height therefore prove to be particularly
advantageous for achieving the smallest possible overall height for
the apparatus as a whole at tilt angles of up to approx.
15.degree., and thus minimizing the risk of injury to the user.
[0052] In a refinement of the apparatus according to the present
invention, it is further proposed that the spring elements be
capable of being offset parallel to the longitudinal axis X and/or
parallel to the transverse axis Y, since in this manner the
restoring forces can be adapted even more flexibly and accurately
to users' needs.
[0053] When a spring element is offset outward from the center of
the apparatus (said center being defined by the intersection of the
tilt axes), the spring travel when the support surface tilts toward
that spring element becomes longer; when the spring element is
offset inward, the spring travel becomes shorter. The longer the
spring travel, the greater the restoring force that is generated by
the spring element and counteracts the tilt of the support surface,
and vice versa.
[0054] Offsetting of the spring elements inward or outward has
another effect as well, however, namely a change in lever ratios.
The weight force exerted on the spring elements by a user standing
on the support surface is greater, the farther inward the spring
element is offset, and smaller, the farther outward it is
offset.
[0055] For example, a heavy user who exerts large weight forces on
the support surface can offset the spring elements outward, thereby
at the same time achieving the result that on the one hand he or
she exerts less of a weight force on the spring elements, and on
the other hand the spring elements generate a greater restoring
force.
[0056] The result of this dual effect, i.e. the shortening or
lengthening of the spring travel in conjunction with the
lengthening or shortening, respectively, of the lever, is that the
spring elements need to be offset over only a relatively short
distance in order to enable adaptation of the restoring forces over
a wide spectrum.
[0057] If the restoring forces are adapted by offsetting the spring
elements inward or outward, and not (as, for example, in the case
of the apparatus described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,008,359 B2) by an
increase or decrease, respectively, in the space for elastic
deformation of the spring element, this also does not produce any
disadvantageous restriction on tiltability, at least not when the
spring elements are not offset so far outward that maximum spring
compression is achieved as a result of the tilt.
[0058] If the apparatus according to the present invention is
therefore designed not only to use replaceable spring elements
having different dimensions or having a different spring force, but
also to offset the spring elements parallel to the longitudinal
axis X and/or parallel to the transverse axis Y, the result is that
far fewer replaceable spring elements need to be available in order
to permit adaptation of the restoring forces within a very wide
spectrum.
[0059] If elastomer springs are used, for example, it is possible
with elastomer springs having dimensions of 25.times.40 mm
(parallel to transverse axis Y) and 32.times.50 mm (parallel to
longitudinal axis X) to generate, by corresponding offsetting,
restoring forces that are commensurate with a user weight in the
range from approx. 15 kg to approx. 60 kg. With elastomer springs
having dimensions of 32.times.50 mm (parallel to transverse axis Y)
and 40.times.50 mm (parallel to longitudinal axis X), restoring
forces that are appropriate for a user weight in the range from
approx. 40 kg to approx. 150 kg are generated by corresponding
offsetting. It is thus possible, by combining three pairs of
standardized elastomer springs, to cover in simple and economical
fashion a utilization range, in terms of user weight, from approx.
15 kg to approx. 150 kg, provided the elastomer springs can
additionally be offset inward or outward.
[0060] Lastly, it is further advantageous if all four spring
elements can be offset inward or outward independently of one
another. That is because it is thereby possible to modify the ratio
of the restoring forces in the various tilt directions not only by
corresponding replacement of the spring elements, but also by a
corresponding offset of the spring elements. Independent offsetting
of the four spring elements thus on the one hand allows the
restoring forces to be adjusted differently for weight
displacements between the left foot and right foot, and between the
forefoot and heel. On the other hand, the ratio between the
restoring forces in the context of a tilt around the longitudinal
axis and the restoring forces in the context of a tilt around the
transverse axis can also be modified, which is advantageous in
particular for users having the same weight but different foot
sizes.
[0061] It is further proposed that the spring elements each be
capable of being shifted in a guide groove in the base part. In
this embodiment, the individual spring elements can be steplessly
offset, the result being to allow very exact adaptation of the
restoring forces to the individual requirements of the individual
user.
[0062] According to a further aspect, the apparatus according to
the present invention encompasses an adjusting apparatus with which
all the spring elements can be offset simultaneously, the adjusting
apparatus preferably being embodied as a rotatable adjusting disk
having circular eccentric elongated holes.
[0063] An adjusting apparatus is advantageous when, for example,
the apparatus is used on a frequently changing basis by various
people who prefer different settings of the restoring apparatus. It
is then possible, by means of an adjusting apparatus that
simultaneously offsets all the spring elements, to perform an
adaptation to user specifications easily and quickly. Use of an
adjusting disk has, however, the disadvantage that the ratio
between the restoring forces in the context of a tilt around the
longitudinal axis and the restoring forces in the context of a tilt
around the transverse axis is determined by the adjusting apparatus
and is not modifiable.
[0064] If the adjusting apparatus is embodied as an adjusting disk
having circular eccentric elongated holes, an exact adjustment of
the restoring apparatus can be performed because of the reduction
ratio with which a rotation of the adjusting disk effects an offset
of the spring elements. Use of the adjusting disk is further
advantageous because as a result of the self-locking of the
adjusting disk, separate immobilization of the spring elements is
no longer necessary.
[0065] The apparatus according to the present invention moreover
preferably encompasses a sensor apparatus for sensing weight
displacements of the user's body, so that the apparatus can be used
not only as a training and rehabilitation device but also as an
input device for a computer or a game console.
[0066] Displacements of the user's weight can be sensed in simple
fashion if the sensor apparatus measures the tilt direction and
tilt direction of the support surface, since the user can bring
about a tilt of the support surface only via a weight displacement,
provided the user is not holding onto anything (although that may
be assumed when the apparatus is being used for balance exercises
or balance games). It is understood that this sensing method
relates only to a relative sensing of a user's weight
displacements, since the tilt angle of the support surface depends
not only on the force exerted on the support surface, but also on
the restoring forces that have been set by the user by means of the
restoring apparatus. Displacements of the user's weight can of
course, however, be sensed not only via a measurement of the tilt
angle of the support surface but also, for example, using force
meters that are incorporated into the supporting feet of the
apparatus according to the present invention.
[0067] In a refinement of the apparatus according to the present
invention, it is further proposed that the support part be movable
vertically along a vertical axis Z; that the apparatus according to
the present invention encompass a restoring apparatus for
generating a restoring force that counteracts a vertical motion of
the support part; and that the apparatus according to the present
invention encompass a sensor apparatus that senses vertical
accelerations of the user's body.
[0068] If the apparatus according to the present invention
encompasses a sensor apparatus with which not only weight
displacements but also vertical accelerations of the user's body
are sensed, this expands the potential applications of the
apparatus according to the present invention as an input device for
a computer or a game console. In the simulation of sports such as
skateboarding, snowboarding, or surfing, for example, jumping
motions in the virtual environment can be controlled by actual
jumping motions of the user, making the simulation more realistic
and intensifying the impression of a virtual reality.
[0069] Vertical accelerations of the user can be sensed in simple
fashion if the support part is movable vertically along a vertical
axis Z and if the apparatus according to the present invention
encompasses a restoring apparatus for generating a restoring force
that counteracts a vertical motion of the support part. In this
case the sensor apparatus can measure the vertical motion of the
support surface along the vertical axis Z and thereby indirectly
sense vertical accelerations of the user's body. This is because
the user can bring about a change in the vertical location of the
support surface only by way of a vertical acceleration of his or
her body's center of gravity, provided the user is not holding onto
anything (although that may be assumed when the apparatus is being
used for balance exercises or balance games). It is understood that
this sensing method refers only to a relative sensing of a user's
vertical accelerations, since the vertical motion of the support
surface depends not only on the force exerted on the support
surface, but also on the restoring forces that are generated by the
restoring apparatus. Vertical accelerations of the user's body can
of course, however, be sensed not only via a measurement of the
vertical motion of the support surface but also, for example, using
force meters that are incorporated into the supporting feet of the
apparatus according to the present invention.
[0070] In a refinement of the apparatus according to the present
invention, it is further proposed that the support part be
rotatable around a vertical axis Z; that the apparatus according to
the present invention encompass a rotational restoring apparatus
for generating a restoring force that counteracts a rotation of the
support part; and that the apparatus according to the present
invention encompass a sensor apparatus that senses rotational
motions of the user.
[0071] This embodiment firstly expands the potential applications
of the apparatus as a training and rehabilitation device, since a
rotation of the support surface, while overcoming a rotational
restoring force counteracting the rotation, utilizes additional
muscle groups of the user.
[0072] If the apparatus according to the present invention
furthermore encompasses a sensor apparatus for sensing the
rotational motions of the user, this also expands the potential
applications of the apparatus according to the present invention as
an input device for a computer or a game console. In the simulation
of sports such as skateboarding, snowboarding, or surfing, for
example, rotational motions in the virtual environment can be
controlled by actual rotational motions of the user, making the
simulation more realistic and intensifying the impression of a
virtual reality.
[0073] It is further proposed that the support part be rotatable
360.degree. clockwise and counter-clockwise as often as desired.
This is in turn advantageous if the apparatus is used to simulate
sports such as skateboarding, snowboarding, or surfing, since in
these sports the respective items of sporting equipment can
likewise be twisted 360.degree. clockwise and counter-clockwise as
often as desired. A platform that is freely rotatable in this
fashion thus makes the simulation even more realistic, and further
intensifies the impression of a virtual reality. Even when the
apparatus is used as a training and rehabilitation device, however,
a freely rotatable platform makes greater demands on the user and
can be used in more versatile fashion than a platform that can be
rotated only up to a certain angle.
[0074] It is further proposed that the rotational restoring
apparatus generate a restoring force that returns the support part,
when twisted, to an initial position; and that the restoring force
reach its maximum when the support part is twisted half a
revolution clockwise or counter-clockwise out of that initial
position. This is particularly advantageous in turn if the
apparatus according to the present invention serves as an input
device for computer simulation of sports such as skateboarding or
snowboarding. In this case the user will set up the apparatus as a
whole in such a way that its longitudinal axis X is oriented
perpendicular to the plane of the screen of the computer or the
game console, since this orientation corresponds to the orientation
of the simulated item of sporting equipment when traveling straight
ahead.
[0075] If the user exerts on the platform a torque that does not
exceed the maximum restoring force that is established in the
context of a 180-degree twist, the platform is returned to the
initial position by the restoring force, oppositely to the rotation
direction initiated by the user. If, on the other hand, the user
exerts on the platform a torque that exceeds the maximum restoring
force at 180.degree., the restoring force that is established (and
any excess torque of the user) will return the platform to the
initial position in the rotation direction initiated by the user,
with the result that the user has then completed one 360-degree
revolution. The user will therefore, after execution of a
rotational motion and once restoring is complete, always find him-
or herself in the same position with respect to the screen as
before execution of the rotational motion, the result being that
control of the computer simulation is made easier. In addition,
this embodiment of the rotational restoring apparatus contributes
to the impression of a realistic simulation, since in reality
skateboards or snowboards likewise exhibit a tendency to align
themselves along the direction of travel.
[0076] Alternatively, it is proposed that the rotational restoring
apparatus generate a restoring force that returns the support part,
when twisted, to one of two initial positions that are located
180.degree. opposite to one another; and that the restoring force
reach its maximum when the support part is rotated one-quarter
revolution clockwise or counter-clockwise out of those two initial
positions.
[0077] With this embodiment, if the user exerts on the platform a
torque that does not exceed the maximum restoring force that is
established in the context of a 90-degree twist, the platform is
returned to the first initial position by the restoring force
oppositely to the rotation direction initiated by the user. If, on
the other hand, the user exerts on the platform a torque that
exceeds the maximum restoring force at 90.degree., the restoring
force that is established (and any excess torque of the user) will
direct the platform to the second initial position, which is
located 180.degree. opposite to the first initial position, in the
rotation direction initiated by the user. The user will therefore,
after execution of a rotational motion and once restoring is
complete, always find him- or herself in the same position with
respect to the screen as before execution of the rotational motion,
or in a position that is mirror-reversed with respect thereto.
[0078] As compared with the approach described previously, with
only one initial position, this is advantageous in that for many
users it might be too difficult to maintain balance in the context
of 360-degree revolutions. The impression of a realistic simulation
would furthermore also be supported by this embodiment with two
initial positions, since in reality skateboards or snowboards can,
for example, likewise be used in two different positions (these
positions being referred to as "regular" or "goofy" depending on
which foot is toward the front in the direction of travel).
[0079] A rotational restoring apparatus having the aforementioned
properties can be manufactured economically and at the same time
compactly, since it encompasses a counterelement that takes the
form of a straight cylinder and is connected nonrotatably to the
platform, as well as at least one spring element that engages
against the enveloping surface of said cylindrical
counterelement.
[0080] If the bottom surface of the cylindrical counterelement has
a symmetrical oval shape, this implements in simple fashion a
rotational restoring apparatus which returns the support part, when
twisted, to an initial position, and the restoring force of which
reaches its maximum when the support part is twisted half a
revolution clockwise or counter-clockwise out of that initial
position.
[0081] If the symmetrical oval basic shape of the cylindrical
counterelement is moreover modified in such a way that an
indentation is provided at at least one vertex of the oval basic
shape, the spring element that engages against the enveloping
surface of said cylindrical counterelement can latch into said
indentation. This latching prevents the support part from moving
out of the initial position when the user, while tilting the
standing surface by means of weight displacements on the standing
surface, also inadvertently executes smaller rotational motions, as
may occur, for example, when a user moves his or her arms in order
to regain his or her balance. If a rotation of the standing surface
were also initiated in this case, this could cause the user to lose
his or her balance entirely and no longer be able to remain on the
standing surface. The latching in the initial position according to
the present invention thus serves for user safety.
[0082] If, on the other hand, the bottom surface of the cylindrical
counterelement has an elliptical shape, this implements in simple
fashion a rotational restoring apparatus which returns the support
part, when twisted, into one of two initial positions that are
located 180.degree. opposite to one another and whose restoring
force reaches its maximum when the support part is rotated
clockwise or counter-clockwise one-quarter revolution out of said
two initial positions.
[0083] The elliptical basic shape of the cylindrical counterelement
is preferably modified in such a way that an indentation is
provided at two vertices of the elliptical basic shape, preferably
at the two secondary vertices, i.e. at the two points closest to
the center of the ellipse. It is thereby possible to achieve a
latching of the support part in two initial positions located 180
degrees opposite to one another. This has, for the safety of the
user, the same advantages that have already been explained
previously in the context of the apparatus according to the present
invention with latching in only one initial position.
[0084] It is further proposed that the spring element encompass a
contact element whose contact surface is in rolling contact against
the enveloping surface of the cylindrical counterelement. This
rolling contact minimizes friction between the spring element and
the counterelement, thereby ensuring that even in angular positions
with unfavorable lever ratios, the support part is reliably
directed back into its initial position. This is advantageous
because it makes handling of the apparatus according to the present
invention easier and safer if the user, after executing a
rotational motion, always finds him- or herself back in the same
orientation with respect to his or her environment.
[0085] It is furthermore advantageous if, when the support part is
in the initial position, said contact element rests in partially
positive fashion in the indentation of the cylindrical
counterelement, since in this manner comparatively little noise
occurs when the support part latches in the initial position.
[0086] According to a further aspect of the invention, the
restoring force that counteracts a twist of the support surface is
adjustable. This is advantageous because, for example, a child can
exert a very much smaller torque on the platform with his or her
rotational motion than can an adult. If the rotational restoring
force were not adjustable, the rotational restoring force would
thus need to be designed to be very low so that children would also
be capable of initiating a complete twist of the support part. This
would, however, have critical disadvantages for adult users. As
already explained, smaller torques are often inadvertently exerted
on the platform, especially due to motion of the arms. If the
rotational restoring force is very low, then especially adults with
a large body mass would often trigger rotational motions of the
support part even though they had intended only to tilt the
platform by way of a weight displacement. This would make handling
of the apparatus according to the present invention much more
difficult especially for heavier adults, and in the worst case
might result in falls and injuries if a user can no longer control
an inadvertently initiated rotational motion. In a safe balance
board that is as easy as possible to handle, the rotational
restoring forces should therefore also be adjustable.
[0087] In a refinement of the apparatus according to the present
invention, it is further proposed that a button area having at
least two buttons be provided on the platform of the support part.
This is advantageous in that a user, when utilizing the apparatus
according to the present invention as an input device for a
computer game, requires no further input devices in order, for
example, to navigate in the computer game's menu.
[0088] It is further proposed that upon actuation of the buttons, a
signal is triggered only when the surface of the buttons is located
below the surface of the platform. This embodiment ensures that the
buttons are actuated only deliberately with the toe area, and not
inadvertently with the sole of the foot during a balance exercise
or a balance game.
[0089] According to a further aspect, the apparatus according to
the present invention lastly encompasses a vibration apparatus that
transfers vibrations to the support part and is controlled by
signals of a computer program. The apparatus can in this fashion
convey to the user, by way of the vibrations, a haptic feedback
regarding specific events occurring in a computer game. In the
training sector, warnings can also thereby be conveyed to the user,
for example when a specific tilt angle that should not be exceeded
from a therapeutic standpoint, or because of a risk of injury, is
exceeded.
[0090] The apparatus according to the present invention for balance
exercises and balance games having modifiable restoring forces,
hereinafter also referred to as a DYNAMIC BOARD, will be explained
in more detail below with reference to the appended drawings, in
which
[0091] FIG. 1 is a perspective overall view of the DYNAMIC BOARD
according to the present invention;
[0092] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus;
[0093] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the platform with section A-A
labeled;
[0094] FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of detail II;
[0095] FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of detail II in a
tilted position;
[0096] FIG. 6 is an enlarged depiction of sectional view B-B;
[0097] FIG. 7 is an enlarged depiction of sectional view C-C;
[0098] FIG. 8 is an enlarged depiction of sectional view C-C for an
alternative embodiment;
[0099] FIG. 9 depicts a carrier plate for an alternative
embodiment.
[0100] The DYNAMIC BOARD is labeled very generally with the number
1 in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. It is made up of three main assemblies,
namely support part 10, restoring apparatus 20, and base part 30
(see FIG. 2).
[0101] Support part 10 encompasses platform 13, button unit 11,
electronics unit 12, and carrier plate with bearing pin 14. Carrier
plate with bearing pin 14 is made up of an elliptically shaped
carrier plate 14a and a bearing pin 14b fixedly connected thereto,
bearing pin 14b being aligned at the center point of the elliptical
carrier plate 14a. The center point of the elliptical carrier plate
14a is defined by the intersection of the two axes of symmetry of
the ellipse. Platform 13 is bolted to carrier plate 14a.
[0102] Electronics unit 12 is made up of motion sensor unit 12a,
processor unit 12b, interface unit 12c for wireless data exchange,
and the battery (not depicted). Motion sensor unit 12a involves
commercially usual electronic measurement systems, preferably
microelectromechanical (MEM) gyroscopes and accelerometers.
Electronics unit 12 is located in a central depression in platform
13, and is bolted to platform 13.
[0103] Button unit 11 (see also FIG. 4) is likewise fitted into the
central depression in platform 13, above electronics unit 12. The
four movable buttons 11a of button unit 11 each have associated
with them a switch element 12e, located therebelow, on electronics
unit 12. Buttons 11a are held under compression by eight
compression springs 11b inside retaining ring 11c and retaining
plate 11d. Retaining ring 11b is bolted to platform 13. The bolts
for securing retaining plate 11d are bolted to carrier plate 14a
through four spacer sleeves 11e. Spacer sleeves 11e pass through
four cutouts 12f in electronics unit 12. The surface of the four
buttons 11a is largely flush with the surface of platform 13.
Contact between the movable buttons 11a and switch elements 12e
located respectively therebeneath occurs only when the buttons have
been pushed downward sufficiently far that the surface of buttons
11a is located below the surface of platform 13.
[0104] Support part 10 and base part 30 are connected via carrier
plate with bearing pin 14, by the fact that bearing pin 14b is
guided through pivot bearing 32 fastened in basic frame 31 and
secured by means of bolt 15b (see FIG. 4). Spacer sleeve 15a is
inserted between screw 15b and the movable part of pivot bearing 32
so that the movability of pivot bearing 32 is not limited. Pivot
bearing 32 is preferably embodied in accordance with DIN 648, and
with a permissible tilt angle of at least 15.degree.. As a result
of this arrangement, support part 10 can be tilted around two
horizontal and mutually orthogonal axes X and Y, and rotated around
a vertical axis Z, relative to base part 30. In addition, support
part 10 can be moved in translation in the direction of vertical
axis Z.
[0105] The movements of support part 10 that are recited above are
sensed by way of motion sensor unit 12a of electronics unit 12 that
is connected fixedly to the support part (see FIG. 2). Specific
motions of the user that he or she executes on platform 13, for
example weight displacements, rotational motions, and jumping
motions, can be indirectly sensed by way of the motions of support
part 10.
[0106] Restoring apparatus 20 (see FIG. 2) encompasses a rotational
restoring unit 21 and tilt restoring unit 22 as subassemblies.
Rotational restoring unit 21 is made up of intermediate carrier
21a, axial bearing 21d and two leaf spring units 21c. Intermediate
carrier 21a rests in planar fashion on spring elements 22b and 22c
of tilt restoring unit 22. The underside of intermediate carrier
21a is stiffened by means of crossmembers 21b (see FIG. 4)
connected fixedly thereto. Crossmembers 21b extend in parallel
fashion over almost the entire length of the underside of
intermediate carrier 21a, the spacing between them being selected
so that the two longitudinal spring elements 22b fit in centeredly
between the crossmembers. This prevents intermediate carrier 21a
from twisting with reference to tilt restoring unit 22 and base
part 30. The two leaf spring units 21c are fastened on the upper
side of intermediate carrier 21a.
[0107] Carrier plate with bearing pin 14 is mounted, via bearing
pin 14b, rotatably relative to intermediate carrier 21a. Axial
bearing 21d is located between carrier plate with bearing pin 14
and intermediate carrier 21a. To minimize overall height, axial
bearing 21d is preferably embodied as an axial bearing in
accordance with DIN 711 or DIN 722. Support part 10 can thus be
rotated as desired, with little friction, with respect to restoring
apparatus 20. Upon a rotation of support part 10 of up to
90.degree. in each case, the two leaf spring units 21c are
preloaded by the engagement of the elliptically shaped carrier
plate 14a, and thereby bring about a restoration to the original
position. Upon a rotation of support part 10 of more than
90.degree., the above-described arrangement brings about a rotation
of support part 10 to a new initial position located 180.degree.
opposite to the original position.
[0108] Tilt restoring unit 22 encompasses two longitudinal spring
elements 22b, two transverse spring elements 22c, and four spring
element holders 22d (see FIG. 4 and FIG. 6). The two longitudinal
spring elements 22b and the two transverse spring elements 22c are
each slipped from above onto the four spring element holders 22d.
The four spring element holders 22d are each inserted into an
elongated hole 31a in basic frame 31, and secured below basic frame
31 each with two flat nuts 22e. Of the four elongated holes 31a in
the basic frame, two extend parallel to longitudinal axis X, and
two parallel to transverse axis Y (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 6). By means
of spring element holders 22d guided in elongated holes 31a, all
the spring elements 22b and 22c are thus shiftable individually and
steplessly on base part 30, the shift occurring parallel to
longitudinal axis X and to transverse axis Y, respectively.
[0109] A tightening screw of 15b reduces the spacing between
support part 10 and base part 30, and thus also the spacing of the
components against which spring elements 22b and 22c engage (see
FIG. 4). Spring elements 22b and 22c can thus be pre-tensioned by
tightening screw 15b. It is also possible in this fashion to
compensate for an aging-related settling (shrinkage) of spring
elements 22b and 22c. A loosening of screw 15b, conversely, allows
any pre-tensioning of spring elements 22b and 22c to be released,
in order to facilitate shifting of spring element holders 22b on
the base part.
[0110] Tilt restoring unit 22 can selectably be used in combination
with adjusting disk 22a (see FIG. 6). This makes it possible, by
rotating the spring elements 22b and 22c, to shift all of them
simultaneously and at a specific ratio. In this context, spring
element holders 22d simultaneously project through the circular
elongated holes 22f, arranged eccentrically with respect to
vertical axis Z, of adjusting disk 22a, and elongated holes 31a in
basic frame 31. The shifting of spring elements 22b and 22c occurs,
steplessly and with little energy expenditure, by way of the gated
guide thereby realized.
[0111] Base part 30 encompasses basic frame 31, pivot bearing 32,
and four rubber plates 34. Basic frame 31 comprises four supporting
feet, arranged symmetrically with respect to section axis A-A of
FIG. 3, on which rubber plates 34 are respectively attached. The
position of the four supporting feet on basic frame 31 is selected
so that secure stability of the DYNAMIC BOARD is guaranteed in the
context of any displacement of the center of gravity of a user's
body on platform 13.
[0112] A vibration apparatus (not shown), which is activated by
electronics unit 12, is optionally incorporated into platform 13.
The vibration apparatus is a commercially usual signal transducer
that generates vibrations using asymmetrical weight driven by
electric motors and that is known, for example, from manual control
devices for video game consoles (called "game pads").
[0113] FIG. 8 shows the rotational restoring apparatus of an
alternative embodiment of the DYNAMIC BOARD, in a depiction
analogous to FIG. 7. The rotational restoring apparatus corresponds
in substantial portions to the embodiment according to FIG. 7, for
which reason analogous parts are labeled in FIG. 8 with the same
reference characters but incremented by 100. In addition, the
alternative embodiment in accordance with FIG. 8 is described below
only insofar as it differs from the one in accordance with FIG.
7.
[0114] In the embodiment in accordance with FIG. 8, rotational
restoring unit 121 encompasses intermediate carrier 121a having
fixed crossmembers 121b (not depicted) and tension spring unit 121c
as a sub-group. The tension spring unit 121c sub-group encompasses
two carriages 121c1 made of polyacetal or polyformaldehyde, two
tension springs 121c2, four threaded rods 121c3, two deep groove
ball bearings 121c4 per DIN 625, and two holding plates with
bearing shaft 121c5.
[0115] Intermediate carrier 121a is embodied as a rectangular
plate. As is also the case in the embodiment in accordance with
FIG. 7, the underside of intermediate carrier 121a rests in planar
fashion on spring elements 22b and 22c of tilt restoring unit 22,
and is stiffened by two respective crossmembers 21b connected
fixedly thereto. Exactly as in the case of the original embodiment,
this prevents intermediate carrier 121a from becoming twisted with
reference to tilt restoring unit 22 and base part 30 (see FIG.
4).
[0116] The two carriages 121c1 are mounted on intermediate carrier
121a by means of a linear slide guide. For this purpose,
intermediate carrier 121a is machined flat on both sides. The two
carriages 121c1 are connected at both ends via a tension spring
121c2 in each case. The preload of the two tension springs 121c2
can be steplessly adjusted by way of threaded rods 121c3 at each
end of said tension springs. The respectively deep groove ball
bearing 121c4 is rotatably mounted centeredly on the inner side of
carriages 121c1. Deep groove ball bearings 121c4 are retained by a
holding plate with bearing shaft 121c5 that is bolted to carriage
121c2.
[0117] Carrier plate 114a has an elliptical basic shape that is
interrupted by two indentations. The indentations are recessed into
the elliptical basic shape at the location of the two secondary
vertices of that ellipse, i.e. the two points closest to the center
point of the ellipse. The radius of the indentations corresponds to
the radius of the two deep groove ball bearings 121c4. Carrier
plate 114a is arranged with a 90.degree. twist as compared with the
variant embodiment according to FIG. 7. Linear sliding guidance of
the two carriages 121c1 occurs along the longitudinal axis of the
apparatus as a whole.
[0118] As a result of the preload of tension springs 121c2 and the
positive seating of deep groove ball bearings 121c4 in the
indentations of carrier plate 114a, support part 10 is retained, in
two initial positions, to prevent twisting relative to intermediate
carrier 121 and base part 30. In these two initial positions,
located 180.degree. opposite to one another, platform 13 is
oriented lengthwise with respect to base part 30. The retention can
be released by the user by introducing a torque via platform 13
into carrier plate 114a fixedly connected thereto.
[0119] The excursion of the two carriages 121c1, and thus also the
force exerted by tension springs 121c2 via the two deep groove ball
bearings 121c4 on carrier plate 114a, changes depending on the
degree of twisting of platform 13 and thus of carrier plate 114a.
When twisting occurs, the two deep groove ball bearings 121c4 make
rolling contact against the lateral surface of carrier plate 114a.
This rolling contact minimizes the friction between carriages 121c1
and the carrier plate, thereby ensuring that even in angular
positions with unfavorable lever ratios, support part 10 is
reliably directed back into one of the two initial positions.
[0120] In the context of a 90.degree. twist, deep groove ball
bearings 121c4 abut against the two principal vertices of the
elliptical carrier plate 114a, i.e. against the points farthest
away from the rotation point of carrier plate 114a. In this
position carriages 121c1 have the greatest possible excursion, and
tension springs 121c2 the greatest possible tension, with the
result that the restoring force reaches its maximum. If the user
exerts on platform 13 a torque that does not overcome this maximum
restoring force at 90.degree., support part 10 is returned by the
restoring force, opposite to the rotation direction initiated by
the user, to the first initial position and is latched therein. If,
on the other hand, the user exerts on platform 13 a torque that
exceeds the maximum restoring force at 90.degree., the restoring
force that is established (and any excess torque of the user) will
direct support part 10, in the rotation direction initiated by the
user, to the second initial position that is located 180.degree.
opposite to the first initial position, and latch it therein.
[0121] In FIG. 9 an alternative embodiment of carrier plate
14a/114a of the DYNAMIC BOARD is depicted and is labeled 214a. When
this carrier plate 214a is used, the rotational restoring apparatus
in accordance with FIG. 8 must be modified in such a way that
tension spring element 121c encompasses only one carriage 121c1
having a deep groove ball bearing 121c4, and that the two tension
springs 121c2 at the other end are connected not to a second
carriage 121c1 but instead fixedly to intermediate carrier
121a.
[0122] Carrier plate 214a has a symmetrical oval basic shape. The
rotation point of carrier plate 214a is arranged so that it is at
identical distances from two oppositely located vertex points of
the oval basic shape, and at non-identical distances from the other
two oppositely located vertex points. The oval basic shape of
carrier plate 214a is interrupted by an indentation. The
indentation is recessed into the oval basic shape at the point at
which the vertex point is closest to the rotation point.
[0123] In the context of a 180.degree. twist, the one deep groove
ball bearing 121c4 rests against that point on the oval carrier
plate 114a that is farthest from its rotation point. In this
position carriage 121c1 then has the greatest possible excursion,
and tension springs 121c2 have the greatest possible tension, with
the result that the restoring force reaches its maximum. If the
user exerts on platform 13 a torque that does not overcome this
maximum restoring force at 180.degree., support part 10 is returned
by the restoring force, oppositely to the rotation direction
initiated by the user, to the first initial position, and is
latched therein. If, on the other hand, the user exerts on platform
13 a torque that exceeds the maximum restoring force at
180.degree., the restoring force that is established (and any
excess torque of the user) will return support part 10, in the
rotation direction initiated by the user, to the initial position
and latch it therein.
* * * * *